Effect of Partial Replacement of Cement with Cow Dung Ash Using Bida Natural Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

Abstract

The research investigates the effect of partial replacement of cement with cow dung ash (CDA) in concrete production using Bida natural coarse aggregate. Water to cement ratio and mix ratio of 0.6 and 1:2:4 was adopted respectively. The aggregates used were characterized and the cow dung was calcined at a temperature between 400-500oC. Concrete was produced using CDA as cement replacement at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40%. Slump of the freshly produced concrete was determined and the compressive strength of the hardened concrete was determined at 7, 21 and 28 days of curing. The sum of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in CDA exceeds the 70% minimum specified by ASTMC 618-12. The slump of the fresh concrete ranges from 0 – 40 mm while the compressive strength at 28 days curing duration ranges from 12.59N/mm2 19.29N/mm2 and density was 2323.95kg/m3– 2554.59kg/m3 respectively. The test results revealed that the compressive strength decrease with increase in CDA content and increase with curing age. The strength results indicate that there was no much significant difference between the control specimen with 0% CDA and that containing 5% CDA. This implies that concrete made using CDA as partial replacement for cement can be used for structural applications such as in the construction of reinforced concrete slabs, beams, columns and foundations. The study concluded that CDA has pozzolanic properties and can be used to replace up to 10% cement in concrete produced using Bida natural coarse aggregate.